The go-ahead has been given for a huge offshore wind farm off the North Wales coast.

Work on the project, which will provide up to 30 turbines capable of providing electricity for at least 50,000 homes, is expected to start immediately.

Consent for the will be the biggest single offshore wind farm in the UK, known as North Hoyle, was given today by the Minister for Energy, Brian Wilson. It will be based seven-and-a-half kilometres from Prestatyn and Rhyl and is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2003.

Mr Wilson said: "This development marks a significant step forward for the offshore wind industry in the UK. It is the second offshore wind farm development to be approved from the 18 potential sites identified by developers.

"Wales is blessed with some of the finest energy rich natural resources in the world. I am confident that Government, investors and the local community will work together to create a successful and mutually beneficial development."

Brian Count, chief executive officer of Innogy plc, parent company of National Wind Power, said: "We are delighted to be given consent for our North Hoyle project and it brings us one step closer to realising the huge benefits and potential that offshore wind energy will bring the UK."